Latest news with #healthchiefs
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
E.coli infections rose 26% last year, data shows
Infections from bacteria that causes stomach issues increased by around a quarter last year, according to new figures. While health chiefs said the rise was partly down to one foodborne outbreak, they also warned cases have gradually been increasing since 2022 and urged people to take steps to prevent food poisoning. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows there were 2,544 cases of infection with shiga toxin-producing (Stec) in 2024, a 26% rise on 2023. is a diverse group of bacteria and is normally harmless, living in the intestines of humans and animals. However, some strains, such as Stec, produce toxins that can make people very ill, leading to diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. Stec is often transmitted by eating contaminated food but can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives. Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases, although some patients, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting in kidney failure. A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Publication of the data follows a Stec outbreak last summer which was linked to contaminated salad leaves. It led to 293 cases, with 126 people needing hospital treatment, 11 developing HUS and two dying. As a result, a number of food manufacturers recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold by major retailers. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at UKHSA, said: 'While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing Stec cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any Stec symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. 'Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms, or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.' According to the UKHSA data, the highest incidence of Stec last year was among children aged one to four, with 357 cases of infection. Health chiefs said that could be down to a lower immunity or poorer hygiene among children, as well as exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals. Dr Godbole added: 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. 'If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practises to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely, Stec can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly. 'Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' Natasha Smith, director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency, urged people to take steps to avoid infection. 'When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination,' she said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
E.coli infections rose 26% last year, data shows
Infections from bacteria that causes stomach issues increased by around a quarter last year, according to new figures. While health chiefs said the rise was partly down to one foodborne outbreak, they also warned cases have gradually been increasing since 2022 and urged people to take steps to prevent food poisoning. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows there were 2,544 cases of infection with shiga toxin-producing (Stec) in 2024, a 26% rise on 2023. is a diverse group of bacteria and is normally harmless, living in the intestines of humans and animals. However, some strains, such as Stec, produce toxins that can make people very ill, leading to diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. Stec is often transmitted by eating contaminated food but can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives. Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases, although some patients, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting in kidney failure. A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Publication of the data follows a Stec outbreak last summer which was linked to contaminated salad leaves. It led to 293 cases, with 126 people needing hospital treatment, 11 developing HUS and two dying. As a result, a number of food manufacturers recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold by major retailers. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at UKHSA, said: 'While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing Stec cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any Stec symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. 'Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms, or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.' According to the UKHSA data, the highest incidence of Stec last year was among children aged one to four, with 357 cases of infection. Health chiefs said that could be down to a lower immunity or poorer hygiene among children, as well as exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals. Dr Godbole added: 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. 'If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practises to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely, Stec can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly. 'Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' Natasha Smith, director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency, urged people to take steps to avoid infection. 'When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination,' she said.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning over paralysing infection linked to Botox after 38 people across the UK fall sick
AT LEAST 38 Brits are suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition following Botox procedures, health chiefs have revealed. The cases are linked to iatrogenic botulism – a rare but dangerous reaction caused by botulinum toxin used in aesthetic treatments. Some victims have been left struggling to breathe, speak or swallow. Several needed hospital treatment and even emergency respiratory support.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning over ‘contaminated' tomatoes sold across UK after surge in deadly infection that left 100 ill & 14 hospitalised
FOOD safety chiefs have issued an urgent warning over a popular salad staple. Certain tomatoes have been linked to a deadly infection that's already left a dozen people in hospital. Health officials have sounded the alarm after a deadly salmonella outbreak was linked to tomatoes — with more than 100 people falling ill and at least 14 rushed to hospital. The alert comes after the worrying outbreak sparked fears over contaminated produce, prompting health bosses to advise shoppers to check their tomatoes carefully and follow hygiene advice. Two nasty strains of the diarrhoea -inducing bug have been behind the surge in cases this year, with experts pointing the finger at contaminated tomatoes as the likely culprit. Worryingly, the infections aren't limited to one region — cases have been reported across the UK, prompting a nationwide health warning from safety chiefs. Tests revealed that every case in the outbreak was caused by two rare strains of the bug — Salmonella Blockley and Salmonella Strathcona — with health chiefs warning the latter can cause particularly severe illness. S. Blockley is usually found in East Asia and the US, and has only been recorded a handful of times across Europe, making the spike in UK cases even more alarming. It comes as new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show salmonella infections have soared in the first three months of 2025 — up significantly compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024. What is Salmonella? Salmonella is typically linked to meat, eggs and poultry — but experts now warn contaminated tomatoes are behind a wave of stomach-churning illness sweeping the UK. The nasty bug, which infects the gut of farm animals, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and fever — and while most people recover within days, in some cases it can prove deadly. According to 2024 data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 81 cases of the rare S. Blockley strain were confirmed by lab tests — all linked to tomatoes. Three dead and two hospitalised after food poisoning outbreak linked to desserts in NHS hospitals At least 14 people were hospitalised. The fruit was also blamed for a separate outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona, affecting another 24 people. Officials say it's still unclear where the tomatoes came from — whether they were UK-grown or imported. Experts say the soft, porous texture of tomatoes makes them more vulnerable to salmonella — especially as they're often eaten raw, meaning bugs aren't killed off by cooking. Symptoms of Salmonella Blockley to look out for SYMPTOMS of Salmonella Blockley, a specific type of Salmonella infection, are similar to general Salmonella infection. Common symptoms include: Diarrhoea - This is often the most prominent symptom. Stomach cramps or abdominal pain -This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Fever - A temperature elevation is a common symptom. Nausea and vomiting - Some individuals experience nausea and may also vomit. Chills -This can be associated with fever. Headache - Some individuals may experience headaches. Blood in the stool - In some cases, blood can be present in the stool. Salmonella symptoms typically last for four to seven days, and most people recover without needing specific treatment. You should see a doctor for salmonella symptoms if your symptoms are severe, prolonged, or you are at increased risk of complications. This includes infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms Symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after infection, and those most at risk include the elderly, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system. Health officials are urging Brits to be on high alert for the symptoms of salmonella infection, which can last anywhere from four to seven days. The most common signs include diarrhoea — which may be watery and occasionally contain blood or mucus — stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and chills. These symptoms can vary in intensity, but even mild cases can leave people feeling drained. In more serious instances, the illness can lead to severe dehydration, particularly in infants, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems. Some sufferers may go on to develop reactive arthritis, a painful condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints, or even enteric fever — a rare but dangerous form of the illness that brings on high fever, exhaustion and severe sickness requiring urgent antibiotic treatment. While most people recover without medical intervention, doctors advise seeking help if symptoms are severe or don't improve after a few days, if there's blood in the stool, or if signs of dehydration — such as dizziness or reduced urination — are present. Anyone preparing fresh produce like tomatoes is reminded to wash them thoroughly, store them properly, and follow general food hygiene guidance to reduce the risk of infection. Treatment There is no specific treatment for most cases of salmonella infection, as it usually clears up on its own within a week. The primary focus is on staying hydrated, especially if diarrhoea and vomiting are severe, to prevent dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths is essential. In some cases, doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and cramps, but antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless the infection is severe, spreads beyond the intestines, or affects high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. If complications like enteric fever or reactive arthritis develop, more intensive medical treatment, including antibiotics or specialist care, may be required. Anyone experiencing serious symptoms or prolonged illness should seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper care and avoid complications. Prevention Preventing salmonella largely comes down to good hygiene and safe food practices. Experts say there are several simple steps that can dramatically reduce your risk of infection. Always thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the correct internal temperature, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Handwashing is crucial — especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, handling raw produce or meat, and before preparing or eating food. When travelling, stick to bottled or properly treated water, particularly in countries where sanitation may be poor. Avoid ice cubes or uncooked foods that may have been rinsed in contaminated water. While there's no vaccine for general salmonella, typhoid fever — a severe form of salmonella — can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended for travellers heading to high-risk areas. Taking these precautions can help you avoid getting seriously ill — and stop the spread of infection to others. 2 Do I have food poisoning? Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. It's hard to miss the symptoms, which include: Feeling sick (nausea) Diarrhoea Being sick (vomiting) Stomach cramps A high temperature of 38C or above Feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks How to treat food poisoning You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The symptoms usually pass within a week. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. You should also see a doctor if along with other symptoms you have high fever, blood in your stool, or feel dehydrated or unable to keep any food or liquid down. Make sure you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. Source: NHS
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
IVF changes to tighten up smoking and vaping rules
Male partners in couples who want NHS-funded fertility treatment could be banned from taking part if they smoke or vape. Planned changes across Merseyside and Cheshire that aim to equalise eligibility for IVF treatment would see rules around tobacco use made stricter in Liverpool. Currently, only the female partner in heterosexual couples seeking IVF has to be smoke-free, but if the changes go ahead, men in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens will also need to quit. "This is because of the impact of treatment outcomes, and the increased risk of complications in pregnancy," a report put before health chiefs in Liverpool said. The rules on smoking already exist in other parts of the region, but a number of other changes under the plans will have an impact on couples in different boroughs. Currently, depending on where people live, they are eligible for between one and three rounds of IVF. But women aged between 40 and 42 across all boroughs are only allowed one round. If the changes are made, only one NHS-funded round will be available for anyone up to the age of 42. There would also be other significant changes in specific parts of the region relating to couples who already have children, and men who are overweight. Couples registered with GPs in parts of Cheshire East and Cheshire West are currently not exempt from IVF if either partner has living children, but this will change to fall in line with other parts of the region. And in Wirral, men will no longer have to have a maximum body mass index (BMI) if they are to be allowed to take part. The current rules in the borough are that both men and women should have a BMI of between 19 and 29.9 to begin treatment. But this will change so that men will only be "advised" to lose weight… to improve their chances of conceiving". "This would not necessarily be a barrier to the couple accessing NHS fertility treatment," a report on the consultation said. "The NHS faces significant financial challenges, necessitating careful balancing of population needs, clinical risk and commissioning decisions to address health inequalities," the report added. It said the aim of the changes was to "prioritise the most pressing needs of the population, [to recognise] the potential for increased demand in areas like mental health, urgent care and community services, whilst addressing unwarranted variation and the need for a consistent offer". About 734 first rounds of IVF treatment are given each year on Merseyside and in Cheshire. The consultation, which comes amid nationwide changes to IVF eligibility, is due to end on 15 July. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. IVF births now represent one child in every classroom, data suggests 'Our IVF baby joy at hospital where it all started'
